Leadership by Walking Around

I always say ‘You need to read if you’re going to lead’. We can learn the most powerful lessons on leadership by picking up a book. That’s why I’m reading Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times by Donald T. Phillips right now. It hones in on the leadership practices of one of our nation’s greatest Presidents.

 

But what I really love about the book is how much we can learn from Lincoln! His style of leadership is timeless. Lincoln was not a leader who sat in his office all day waiting for people to bring him news. He got out of his ‘white tower’ and circulated amongst his people to learn what was going on out there. He met injured soldiers in hospitals to hear what was really happening on the front lines. And he never turned down any citizen wanting to express their opinion. He welcomed them to speak up and intently listened. Lincoln was a very approachable leader in these ways—definitely a lesson we can all learn from.

 

I like to call this style “leadership by walking around”. It’s the only way to really get your finger on the pulse of your organization. We all need to spend a little less time at our desks and a little more time checking in on the health of our companies.

 

-Joe Kiedinger-

 

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